[The abdominal brain: neuroanatomic perspectives for the abdominal surgeon]. / Das Bauchgehirn: neuroanatomische Perspektiven für den Viszeralchirurgen.

The "abdominal brain" does not only consist of a separate enteric nervous system but also of bidirectional connections to the autonomous nerve system with parasympathicus und sympathicus as well as brain and spinal cord. Novel studies have shown that these connections can quickly transfer information on the ingested nutrients to the brain to conduct the feeling of hunger and more complex behaviour, such as "reward-related learning". However, even emotional experience, in particular, stress, has a strong impact onto the gastrointestinal system. The immune system, motility and barrier function of the gastrointestinal tract are modulated by the intestinal microbiota. Local bacteria may directly influence neuronal communication by released metabolic products and neuropeptides as well as may control inflammatory factors. Intensive research over the last 10 years was able to provide evidence that intestinal microbiota may affect emotional and cognitive aspects of our behaviour and, thus, it might be in the focus of numerous neuropsychiatric diseases, such as depressions and anxiety disorders.The presented review is to provide a short summary of the I): anatomic basics of the so-called gut-brain axis and II): modi of the bidirectional regulation. Through indirect connections to the limbic system, gut-brain axis can substantially influence stress and anxiety but also the pain processing. In addition, the role of microbiota is outlined and future paths are shown, e.g., how the (microbiota-)gut-brain axis may alter emotional experience, pain processing and intestinal function. Such associations are relevant for further development of visceral medicine, and, thus, also for the abdominal surgeon to derive future treatment concepts with interdisciplinary orientation.

Course of macroscopic anatomy in Magdeburg under pandemic conditions.

Introduction and objectives: The Covid-19 pandemic has created major challenges for university teaching. At the beginning of the summer semester 2020, teaching at the Medical Faculty in Magdeburg was almost completely online. Also the course in macroscopic anatomy had to be replaced by virtual e-learning offers. Methods: Videos and photo presentations of the preparation steps and structures to be displayed were made available online. The reactions of the students showed very quickly that the three-dimensionality, the independent preparation and the haptics of the object to be studied make up a large part of this subject. Results and conclusions: Virtual e-learning offerings are a useful supplement to, but not a substitute for, active dissecting on body donors. By changing the course offerings in compliance with hygiene and distance rules, we were able to offer a classroom course again during the semester, which was expressly welcomed by the students.